Coal gasification projects launched in Chandrapur with ₹10,000 crore investment

Chandrapur: Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy performed the Bhoomi Pujan for two Chandrapur coal gasification projects during his visit to Chandrapur in Maharashtra.

He attended the ceremony along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as part of a two-day visit to the state.

Officials said the projects are among seven selected for financial incentives under a Government of India scheme aimed at promoting coal gasification technology.

One project involves an integrated steel plant based on gasification technology developed by Greta Energy. The facility will include a 0.4 MTPA integrated steel plant and a carbon capture and utilisation system with a capacity of 1,490 tonnes per day.

The second project, developed by New Era Cleantech Solutions Pvt Ltd, will convert domestic coal into industrial chemicals and clean fuels used in sectors such as fertilisers, textiles, mining and packaging.

Officials said the Chandrapur coal gasification projects will process more than 2.5 million metric tonnes of coal annually once operations begin.

Chandrapur coal gasification projects aim to strengthen energy security

Speaking at the event, Kishan Reddy said coal gasification is emerging as a key pillar for India’s energy independence and industrial development.

He noted that four of the seven approved gasification projects are located in Maharashtra.

According to him, the projects will reduce import dependence, save foreign exchange and strengthen industrial supply chains.

The minister said investments exceeding ₹10,000 crore are being made in the two Chandrapur coal gasification projects. He added that they could generate more than 2,000 direct jobs and several thousand indirect employment opportunities.

Later, the minister inspected the mine closure site of the Murpar Underground Mine operated by Western Coalfields Limited.

The mine began production in 2003 and closed in 2022 after the area became part of the eco-sensitive zone of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.

Kishan Reddy said mine closure should lead to sustainable development and environmental restoration. He also emphasised the need to protect the interests of local communities in post-closure planning.

Officials said the Murpar mine produced nearly 9.95 lakh tonnes of coal during its operation. Authorities redeployed around 426 workers to other mines in the Umrer area after closure.

The minister later chaired a meeting of the Mine Closure Advisory Committee at Chimur to review plans for sustainable development of the region.